How Does The Influenza Virus Reproduce
Influenza (the flu) is caused by the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 5 to 20 percent of Americans are infected by the virus every year, causing about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. The virus typically attacks the respiratory system, where it can cause a viral pneumonia in severe cases or destroy the lungs enough to allow the development of secondary bacterial pneumonia. The virus is usually transferred by droplet infection, with sneezing, coughing or spitting. Soiled material or napkins and surfaces can also serve as avenues of infection. Touching infected hands to the eyes, mouth or nostrils transfers the virus into the body.
